NoCo’s Best 2022: The Top 3 Italian Restaurants

As Townsquare Media prepares to bring Northern Colorado the 2022 Taste of Fort Collins presented by FNBO, let's take a look a the Italian restaurants that came in the top three of your votes.

After we asked the people of Fort Collins and Northern Colorado what their favorite foods are for NoCo's Best, we narrowed those lists to the top three in each category. Let's take a look at YOUR choice for Best Italian.

There are a lot of places to get Italian food in and around Fort Collins; there must be some hearty appetites around here. Looking at this year's list as opposed to the 2021 list, only one restaurant is on both lists. Did your favorite make the Top 3?

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NOCO's BEST ITALIAN -- RARE

RARE Italian Restaurant opened at the corner of Mountain and College in 2014. Started by the owners of the Rio Grande, they've been open for eight years, serving great Italian dishes and dry-aged steaks.

If there were one word to describe RARE it would be 'Upscale.' The décor and menu speak to the establishment being for special occasions, such as anniversaries, wedding rehearsal dinners, and the like. They do make you feel special the service was great when I visited with a friend.

You definitely get a good portion size when you go for the lasagna, which I did. The additional pieces of mozzarella cheese on top is a great way to brighten the plate. A very tasty dish. Don't forget your wallet.

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NOCO's BEST ITALIAN -- Canino's Italian Restaurant

Did you know that when Canino's first opened 46 years ago, they got a special ordinance from the City of Fort Collins to put up that wonderful awning? That historic house has been home to fantastic meals for small parties and big parties for over four decades. It creaks, it has the aroma of fresh Italian dishes being made, and it has its own unique charm.

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With Canino's not only do you get great food you get great Fort Collins history. Clyde and his family have done a tremendous job in being so endearing to the Choice City community with their food and friendliness. When I have friends visit from out of town and they are looking for a great place for Italian, Canino's always topped that list.

RELATED: Have You Been to Loveland's Newest Italian Restaurant Yet?

NOCO's BEST ITALIAN -- Nick's Restaurant & Bar

Nick Boyle, a CSU grad, had worked for The Rio and for The Kitchen (Next Door) for many years before branching out on his own in 2015 near the CSU campus. Nick and his team put great effort into bringing delicious Italian dishes and New York Style pizza to Fort Collins.

I'd never been to Nick's, so a friend and I checked them out. We had the risotto and their lasagna while dining on their spacious outdoor patio.

I'd never had risotto, but it was the right choice, for sure. Very tasty.

Nick's specializes in 'Homestyle' Italian, and that's just what the lasagna screamed out. A large serving, a great recipe, great colors, and a great/classic serving dish. Delizioso.

Townsquare Media will be announcing NoCo's Best Italian at the 2022 Taste of Fort Collins.